25th Annual Student Research Conference
Dissolution and Aggregation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Solution as a Function of Ionic Strength
Caitlyn M. McGuire
Dr. Dana Delaware, Faculty Mentor
Zinc oxide nanoparticles are used in many industries such as electric, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical. However, the behavior of such particles creates potential implications for the environment and human health. ZnO particles were synthesized using simple procedure designed for mass industrial production of monodispersed nanoparticles. These synthesized particles are then characterized to obtain the specific size information. Solution phase behaviors of these particles were studied concentrating on aggregation and dissolution trends. ZnO particles size of 4, 10, 17, and 24 nanometers were each dissolved in solutions of varying ionic strengths ranging from 0.01 to 2.00 M. After 24 hours of dissolution, the samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy for the concentration of Zn2+ dissolved in solution. Diffracted light scattering analysis, sedimentation studies, and transmission electron microscopy images were taken qualitative comparisons of the hydrodynamic diameter of aggregates.
Keywords: nanotechnology, nanoparticles, metal oxide, synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, metal poisoning
Topic(s):Chemistry
Environmental Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 310-2
Location: MG 2090
Time: 1:15